Arsenal remain in great form as they ran out 2-0 winners over Manchester United in their midweek Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners have been nigh-on unstoppable since the November international break, scoring 15 goals in four games and conceding just three.
Arsenal opened the scoring against Man United in the 54th minute, Declan Rice whipping in a corner that Jurrien Timber headed home at the near post.
Then, in the 73rd minute, the Gunners scored following another set-piece, with William Saliba getting the final touch following a Bukayo Saka corner.
Arsenal are now seven points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool and, while the Gunners have done well, there’s still a lot of work to be done.
Highbury legend Paul Merson has now explained what Arsenal need to do to stand a chance of catching the Reds at the summit.
Marcus Rashford of Manchester United is challenged by William Saliba of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester U...
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Paul Merson wants to see Arsenal’s ‘best team’ week in, week out
Merson, speaking on Sky Sports News, stressed the need for Arsenal to get their best team on the pitch every week and aim to embark on a winning run.
The former Arsenal ace remained cautious over the Gunners’ hopes of doing so, but stressed that they are a “completely different team” with Martin Odegaard back in the mix.
“If they can get their best team on the pitch that beat West Ham, then they’ve got a chance,” said Merson.
“The one that beat Sporting Lisbon was their best team. If they get that on the pitch every week, they can get on a run, win six, seven games on the trot.
“I said on Super Sunday a few weeks ago, the gap to Liverpool had to get down to six points before it went to 12. It’s down to seven at the moment. Both have got difficult games this weekend, Liverpool and Arsenal.
“Arsenal have just got to stay in there, keep everybody fit, and you never, never know. But they won’t be far off. With Odegaard back, they’re a completely different team.”
Arsenal close gap on Liverpool but Declan Rice remains cautious
Not only did the Gunners do well against Man United, but Liverpool also stumbled as Newcastle United secured a late draw against Arne Slot’s side.
Although Mohamed Salah delivered a two-goal masterclass which led to Lionel Messi comparisons, the Magpies nonetheless deprived Liverpool of two points.
However, Arsenal star Declan Rice is not getting too carried away by Liverpool dropping points.
“It’s good but people get carried away with the title talk,” he told Amazon Prime.
“I was involved in my first last year and you just need to be in and around it by February time. I think it’s too early to be calling what’s going on.
“Liverpool dropped points but what are they [seven] points ahead? Look, it’s closer but there’s still a long way to go.”
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